What Is Garlic Oil?

Garlic oil is a simple yet flavour-packed ingredient made by infusing oil with garlic. It’s widely used in cooking to add depth, aroma, and richness to dishes without the need for fresh garlic preparation.

Garlic oil is oil that has been infused with garlic, either by gently heating or soaking garlic in oil to extract its flavour. It’s commonly used for cooking, drizzling, and enhancing dishes.

What Is Garlic Oil Made From?

At its core, garlic oil only requires two ingredients:

• Oil (typically olive oil, but also vegetable or sunflower oil)
• Garlic (fresh or dried)

The oil absorbs the natural compounds and aroma of garlic, creating a smooth, evenly distributed flavour. Depending on how it’s made, garlic oil can range from mild and subtle to strong and pungent.

There are two common methods:

• Hot infusion – garlic is gently heated in oil for a deeper flavour
• Cold infusion – garlic sits in oil over time for a lighter taste

Check out our garlic oil recipe here.

Garlic Oil Uses

Garlic oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes.

Some of the most common garlic oil uses include:

• Drizzling over pasta, pizza, or roasted vegetables
• Using as a base for stir-fries or sautéing
• Adding to marinades for meat, fish, or tofu
• Mixing into salad dressings
• Brushing onto bread for garlic bread
• Finishing soups or sauces for extra flavour

It’s especially useful when you want garlic flavour without chopping or frying fresh garlic.

How to Use Garlic Oil in Cooking

Garlic oil can be used in both cooking and finishing, depending on the flavour you want.

For Cooking

Use garlic oil as a substitute for regular oil when:

• Frying vegetables
• Cooking meats
• Making sauces

This allows the garlic flavour to infuse throughout the dish.

For Finishing

Add garlic oil after cooking to enhance flavour:

• Drizzle over pasta or risotto
• Finish grilled meats or vegetables
• Add to dips like hummus or yoghurt sauces

This keeps the garlic flavour fresh and more pronounced.

Garlic Oil Uses vs Fresh Garlic

While garlic oil is convenient, it’s not always a direct replacement for fresh garlic.

Garlic oil:

• Provides a smoother, less intense flavour
• Distributes evenly in dishes
• Saves preparation time

Fresh garlic:

• Has a sharper, stronger taste
• Adds texture when cooked
• Can vary in intensity depending on how it’s prepared

In many recipes, garlic oil works best as a complementary ingredient rather than a full substitute.

Is Garlic Oil the Same as Garlic Infused Oil?

Yes, garlic oil and garlic infused oil are essentially the same thing. Both refer to oil that has absorbed the flavour of garlic.

However, some store-bought versions may use flavouring rather than real garlic, so it’s always worth checking the ingredients if you’re buying it.

Check out how long garlic oil lasts here.

Bold Flavours, Simple Garlic Oil Uses

Garlic oil is a simple but powerful ingredient that can instantly elevate your cooking. Whether you’re using it for frying, drizzling, or finishing dishes, it offers a convenient way to add rich garlic flavour without the prep.

Once you start using garlic oil regularly, it quickly becomes a staple in everyday cooking.